No! Let her stay! Let them stay! It’s not her fault. Ernie’s mouth moved but no sound came out.
“He’s dumb!” His mother exclaimed. Ouch. That hurt. How can you say that, Mama? Ernie’s eyes filled with tears.
“Oh, Sweetie! I didn’t mean that. I mean you’re mute.”
So get the remote control and un-mute me! His eyes screamed. Little Frances sat on his chest. “I love you.” she whispered, and kissed all of the tubes going into his arms. Ernie reached up and stroked her hair.